Housing discrimination is a pervasive problem nationwide. It is also severely under-reported. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that more than two million instances of housing discrimination occur each year, but fewer than one percent are reported.

Many people are unaware that they have been victims of housing discrimination. A 2002 study by HUD suggests that many renters and homebuyers do not fully understand which activities are illegal under the Fair Housing Act.

If you think your rights to fair housing have been violated, help is available. Housing discrimination complaints can be filed by phone or in writing, with HUD and/or with private fair housing enforcement agencies located across the country.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of:

Race or color

National origin

Religion

Sex

Familial status (families with children)

Disability

Under the Fair Housing Act, the following activities are illegal:

Refuse to rent or sell housing

Refuse to negotiate for housing

Make housing unavailable

Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental

Provide different housing services or facilities

Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale or rental

For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting)

Deny any access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale of housing

Refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules or services if necessary for a disabled person to use the housing

Refuse to allow a disabled person to make reasonable accommodations to his/her dwelling

Threaten or interfere with anyone making a fair housing complaint

Refuse to provide municipal services, property insurance or hazard insurance for dwellings, or providing such services or insurance differently

What You Should Do

When reporting a complaint, be sure to include the following information:

Your name and address

The name and address of the person your complaint is against

The address of the housing involved

A short description of the event that caused you to believe your rights were violated

The date(s) of the alleged violation

To reach the local HUD office in your area, call 1-800-669-9777, TDD 1-800-927-9275 or visit HUD.gov.